Watch & Jewelry
March 30, 2015
BVLGARI | Gérald Genta Octo Bi-Retro
BVLGARI
The Soul and Mechanism of a Genius, Reimagined in Modern Materials
A Sports Watch That Carries On a Legacy
By Yasuto Shibuya
Gérald Genta Octo Bi-Retro
Gérald Genta, the master of watch design, created many of the 20th century's most iconic timepieces. His and his team's contributions to horology extended beyond mere aesthetics. From the 1980s, they were pioneers in developing watches with complications such as retrograde displays and sonneries, opening the door to today's era of complex timepieces. The spirit of pursuing the future in both design and mechanism, along with the top-tier Swiss complication watchmaking ateliers, has been inherited by none other thanBVLGARIThis Octo Bi-Retro is the latest model that evolves and inherits Gérald Genta's DNA, featuring a jumping hour display, a 210-degree retrograde minute display, and a 180-degree retrograde date display, all housed within an octagonal case crafted from the modern material, ceramic. It is the perfect timepiece for those who seek more than ordinary design or mechanics, and who wish to remain at the forefront of innovation.
Automatic winding, stainless steel and ceramic case with rubber strap, 43mm case diameter, exhibition case back, ¥1,995,000 (estimated retail price), scheduled for release after autumn.
BRAND HISTORY
Founded in 1884, Bulgari is a world-renowned Italian top jeweler, but it is also an exceptionally important brand in the watchmaking world. The company began designing watches in 1940, and in '77, it unveiled the "Bulgari Bulgari," featuring two brand logos engraved side-by-side on a round bezel. Following the global success of this model, Bulgari established a specialized watchmaking group company in the 1980s, making a full-fledged entry into the watch industry, where it continues to maintain significant influence today.
In the 1990s,chronographwatches (launched in '90), followed by the development of grand complications featuring tourbillons and minute repeaters (in '94), and then a split-seconds chronograph (in '96). By consecutively releasing complex timepieces, Bulgari demonstrated not only its high design capabilities as a jeweler but also its technical prowess.tourbillonand minute repeaters (in '94), and then a split-seconds chronograph (in '96). By consecutively releasing complex timepieces, Bulgari demonstrated not only its high design capabilities as a jeweler but also its technical prowess.
Entering the 21st century, Bulgari acquired brands renowned for their complex watchmaking, such as Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth, evolving into a major watch group. In 2006, the company also unveiled its own in-house developed complication watches, further accelerating its momentum.
Founding Year: 1884
Place of Founding: Rome, Italy
Main Series Names: Diagono, Assioma, Bulgari Bulgari, Ergon
Inquiries: Bulgari Japan 03-6362-0100
Official Website: http://www.bulgari.com/